Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Yoho National Park is blessed with some of Canada's most impressive water features, with Kicking Horse River, Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake all providing picturesque backdrops to walking trails and picnic pastures.

Yoho National Park Tours

As one of Canada's smaller national parks, with a reach of just over 500 square miles, Yoho is regarded as a relatively secret pocket of the Canadian Rockiesand doesn't get half as many tourists as neighbouring parks, such as Banffand Jasper.

But don't let this lesser-known sister fool you because Yoho is crammed-full of incredible landscapes that incorporate fast flowing rivers (Kicking Horse), thundering waterfalls (Takkakaw) and vast pine-fringed lakes (Emerald) that are simply heaven sent for lovers of the great outdoors.

With plenty of recreational options, including an excellent selection of walking trails, it's easy to see why the Native American translation for Yoho (meaning 'Awe') is so incredibly apt.

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Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Insider Tips

Discover a crowd-free Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is one of the absolute highlights of not just Yoho NP but the whole of the Canadian Rockies. As such you will find it does generate a lot of interest, particularly around the summer months so, as with most attractions, do as the locals do and get their early to avoid the hordes. An early start is also a great way to make the most of the day and there's an hour long walk around Emerald which is relatively flat and completely doable before a breakfast of waffles, pancakes and hot coffee - tempted?

When to go

As Yoho lies to the west of the Continental Divide it does tend to get slightly more rain than parks which are situated to the west, but don't let this put you off because the extra precipitation equals a much more lush and verdant landscape. Best time to go if you want to make the most of Lake Emerald's turquoise colour is mid-July and the months either side are also perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. The autumn months are chillier, before ski season arrives from October to April.

Canoe the Emerald Lake

Plunging your paddle into the clear waters of Emerald Lake, you'll soon realise that this is as close to perfect peace as you can get. Enclosed by pines and mountains this is a really extra special experience in this beautiful shimmering oasis.

Trails overlooking Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw is a phenomenal sight, no matter where you're standing. The hiking trails above the falls provide an exceptional and breath-taking view like no other. Cascading to over 1250 feet below, it's an absolutely wonderful and memorable view.

White-water rafting on Kicking Horse River

The cry of 'paddles up' has never been more carefully heeded and as you bounce over water-smoothed boulders and out of white-water swirls. Thanks to the length of the river, there are plenty of suitable sections for everyone to enjoy.

Watch out for wildlife

Yoho is home to a wide array of wildlife and from free-roaming elk to pawing grizzly bears, so prepare for awesome animal encounters. Red squirrels, marmots and moose are all popular favourites however, a Canadian lynx sighting may set your pulse racing faster.

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Our Tours to Yoho National Park

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